Imagination Awakens

Your baby is starting to play "pretend": the teddy bear gets fed, the doll is put to bed, and the phone is used for important conversations. Pretend play is a major developmental step that shows your baby understands symbols and roles.

Development

Kicks a ball: perhaps not with great precision, but the will and coordination are there
Two-word phrases begin: "Mama come", "More milk", "Dada car". Not all babies have this yet, and that is completely normal
10–20 words and increasingly more sounds resembling words
Pretend play blossoms: feeds the teddy, makes food in the play kitchen, "washes" with a cloth like you do
Runs with more control: can stop and change direction without falling
Sorts simple shapes: round block in round hole, square in square hole

Growth

Boys: Average 10.7 kg / 81 cm (23.6 lb / 31.9 in)
Girls: Average 10.0 kg / 79 cm (22.0 lb / 31.1 in)

Sleep

11–14 hours per day (nighttime sleep 10–12 hours + 1 nap)
One nap of 1–2.5 hours at midday
Some babies start testing limits at bedtime: "one more book", "more water". Keep the routine firm and predictable

Feeding

More independent at the table: eats with spoon and fork (with varying success)
Can express preferences more clearly: "More!" and "No!" about food
Let your baby taste new flavors without pressure. It can take 10–15 exposures before a child accepts a new taste
Healthy snacks: Fruit, vegetables, bread with toppings, yogurt
Water between meals, whole milk at meals
Vitamin D: Continue with 400 IU (10 mcg) daily

Good to Know

Pretend play is important! Don't interrupt: this is how your baby processes experiences and practices social skills
Language development varies enormously: some 17-month-olds say 50 words, others say 5. Both can be completely normal. Speak with your pediatrician if you're concerned
Books, books, books: read together every day. Your baby points, names things, and asks for favorite books again and again
Give your baby simple tasks: "Can you put the shoe in the cupboard?" Babies love to help

Activity Tip

Ball! Play with a soft ball inside or outside. Kick, throw, roll: your baby practices gross motor skills, coordination, and turn-taking. Start by rolling the ball toward your baby and letting them roll it back. Simple, but incredibly effective for development.

Explore on Babysential

Sleep Tracker. Track sleep and routines
Milestones. Record new words and skills
Baby. More guides for your baby's development

Tip: Play along! Sit down on the floor and join in the pretend play. When you "drink" the invisible tea your baby serves you, you show that the play is valuable, and your baby beams with pride.